The road to leadership is paved with lessons, growth, and fulfillment – and for Erin Ricciardi, this path began with a school bus monitor position that quickly evolved into a driving role, after a friend encouraged her to pursue her Commercial Driver’s License.  

This was during a time of transition in Erin’s personal life, and she found that working with children came with great joy. Looking back now, Erin emphasizes the important role drivers play as the first person children see each school morning and the last one they see at the end of the day, building positive relationships through caring and trust, and making a real and lasting difference in children’s lives.   

“It’s very gratifying working with children, school districts, and parents. It’s a really great job and has been very fulfilling for me.”  

After a year and a half behind the wheel, Erin’s manager invited her to attend a bus vendor event which proved to be a notable turning point in her career. The opportunity to meet leaders from across the STA Family and the school transportation industry led to an on-the-spot offer to move into management and training, and Erin’s road to leadership began the very next day.  

She credits much of her career growth to her mentor – a senior leader in our organization and an industry veteran – who saw Erin’s potential early on and put great faith in her abilities to learn new skills, take on new challenges, and lead teams with a compassionate nature. After some time working as a Terminal Manager, she was invited to the role of General Manager overseeing multiple locations throughout Rhode Island. It was during this time that Erin learned yet another side of the business through her mentor’s teachings about contracts, relationship-building, and effective leadership, reflecting on this phase as “instrumental” in her professional development. Yet when the need for a dedicated Terminal Manager in our East Greenwich location presented itself, Erin took the opportunity to return to her passion of working hands on in the day-to-day operations of school bus transportation.  

“[STA] has welcomed me, challenged me in a good way, and makes me want to come to work each day.” 

One of Erin’s biggest takeaways from being a leader is connecting with her team members in a positive manner, and by embracing each relationship. She always keeps her door open – figuratively and literally! – allowing employees to interact with her freely, and in a safe, comfortable environment.  

Fostering such a strong connection with many of her colleagues keeps morale high and has created a genuine community of family. The feelings of trust and camaraderie are essential each year during school startups when stress levels can run high, and teamwork is vital to not only safe and reliable service, but to strengthening the bonds that Erin has developed over the years.     

Every role comes with its own set of rewards and significance. As a Terminal Manager, Erin truly feels she has found her calling. Though demanding, the work is fulfilling; Erin’s journey shows what it means to be a true leader, and exemplifies the opportunities that are open to those who wish to invest in their futures with Student Transportation of America. 

START YOUR OWN JOURNEY